What is the difference between a utilitarian conservationist and a biocentric preservationist?
Utilitarian Conservationists believe that it is acceptable to make some sacrifices to conserve things because its in the best interests of everyone as a whole. Some notable utilitarian conservationists include Gifford Pinchot and Teddy Roosevelt. They supported forest conservation in order to protect jobs and homes for people. Utilitarian Conservationists tend to believe that resources should be saved because they are important and used by every living being.
Biocentric Preservationism is the belief that every living thing has the inalienable right to life, and we cannot take that away, so nature should be preserved because it deserves to be, not because it helps someone in particular. Notable biocentric preservationists include John Muir, who essentially started the movement. They advocate saving natural areas because of their beauty and wildlife habitat. Biocentric preservationists support the idea that all living things have equal standing in the biosphere.
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